Friday 24 December 2010

Happy Birthday

To my one and only subscriber, thank you for all of your support with my barefoot project over the past year. Your comments and advice have been invaluable in making this little blog of mine better for everyone.

I hope you have a great birthday!!

Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year to you and all of your family!!

Tuesday 21 December 2010

Are Vibram Five Fingers finally available in Dubai?

In January 2010, to get some Vibram Five Fingers I had to order from the official Vibram European shop in Milan since there were no Middle East stockists. The Milan branch didn't deliver to the Middle East, so I had them delivered to my brother-in-law in London who brought them to Dubai when he visited. God knows what kind of logistical nightmare I'd have faced if they didn't fit right.

Someone has seen the light (or the $$$) and Vibram's are available from The Society Shop, a new store opened in Dubai Festival City.

http://www.vibramfivefingersit.com/news/Vibram-Five-Fingers-The-association-plans-exclusive-retail-outlets-of-the-chain-in-the-Gulf-Cooperation-Council.html

I've not yet been to the store so I have absolutely no idea what stock they have, but for anyone who has any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Update: I've just heard that The Society Shop are selling VFF's for AED 950 (£170), which is ridiculous. My advice would be to go there just to try them on and check what size suits you best, then order them from elsewhere.

Update (13 July 2011): http://barefootindubai.blogspot.com/2011/07/dubai-stockist-of-barefoot-shoes-vibram.html

Latest (June 2011): More stock are available from The Society Shop.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Vibram's, not just for running but golf too

See the link below, Oliver Wilson wore VFF's instead of traditional golf shoes on day 1 of the Dubai World Championship last month.

However he was back in golf shoes for day 2.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Sunday 12 December 2010

The end of Barefoot in Dubai. Vibrams left to gather dust

I’ve decided that my Barefoot Project is over.

I’m facing the facts; barefoot running doesn’t suit me and my feet. Back in July I had my gait analysed and the results showed that with my barefoot foot-strike my big toes do not take their share of my weight, which means that my 2nd and 3rd toes end up being over burdened. This is why the MRI scan I had in April revealed a stress fracture in the 2nd metatarsal.

Sunday 21 November 2010

Stress busted on the punchbag in the Dubai heat

After a stressful day at work, there’s nothing I enjoy more than coming back to our apartment block where there is a free-standing punchbag on an outdoor landing between floors. I set my Gymboss (http://www.gymboss.com/) timer for either 2 or 3 minute rounds with a 1 minute rest, wrap my hands, pull on the mitts and let rip.

After only a few rounds I’m drenched. I often get cramp in my left calf which feels like a dog bite. When I hit with my left (I’m left handed) I’m twisting and pushing off from the floor with my left foot. I don’t know if that helps or should I make sure my feet stay planted? If reading this you and you know more than I do, please let me know in a comment below!

I don’t really know what I’m doing but damn, it feels good!


Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Tuesday 9 November 2010

PTX Ultimate Wellness Retreat, Bab Al Shams Dubai

I’ve just returned from a fabulous weekend at Bab Al Shams with my wife where we had a 3-day taster of the PTX Ultimate Wellness Retreat (http://ptxdubai.com/index.php/the-ultimate-wellness-retreat/). This is the first camp of its kind in the UAE, and their core principals are fitness, nutrition and performance. This 7-day camp is run by ex-professional athletes who bring passion, enthusiasm and knowledge to the training, which is designed to be functional, mainly bodyweight exercises that everyone can do, regardless of equipment.

A typical day includes:
6.15am – 7.15am: Sunrise Meditation & Yoga
7.30am – 8.15am: Walk/Power Walk/Run
8.30am – 9.30am: Physical Fitness Power Hour
9.30am – 10.30am: Breakfast 
11.30am – 12.45pm: Nutrition Workshop (we did a juicing workshop)
1pm – 2pm: Physical Fitness Power Hour
2pm – 3pm: Lunch
5.30pm – 6.30pm: Physical Fitness Power Hour
6.45pm – 7.30pm: Pool Recovery Session
7.30pm: Dinner

That’s over 5 hours of exercise per day! But everyone managed, the sessions and meal plans were intelligently created so ensure that we all recovered quickly. What really set this apart was the camaraderie and supportive atmosphere. We all worked very hard, but had fun doing it. I loved it! We’re already trying to reorganise our schedules to arrange another visit. After only 3 days I feel great, so imagine how good all 7 days would be.

Loads of exercise and fresh air. The right kind of foods, deliciously prepared. All of Bab Al Shams’ fantastic facilities on offer during the free time. I’d live on the Ultimate Wellness Retreat if I could. If Heineken designed a wellness retreat…


Huge thanks to Tom and the team!

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Thursday 4 November 2010

Just 3 minutes... how hard can it be? 1km in 3 minutes

This was the challenge on the Men’s Fitness facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/MensFitnessME): “UFC fighter, Paul Taylor, recently posted a 3 minute 16 seconds 1km run in a fitness face-off with boxer, James Degale. Think you can do any better? Post your times here to claim Middle East bragging rights!

1,000m in 180 seconds, so 18 seconds for each 100m, which is 20km per hour. That didn’t sound too bad. I’ve been nervous about trying to do any speed work since the fractures, but this morning the gym was empty, and I decided it was time to give it a go. I’m not sure if its cheating starting from a running treadmill, but I cranked it up to 20km per hour and jumped aboard.

Monday 1 November 2010

Wise men say. Sunderland result inspires my longest run for 8 months

I’m a Sunderland fan. Too much so according to my wife, but it’s how I was brought up. As a young lad there’s nothing I loved more than going to the match with my Dad, Brother and friends and the result dictated my mood until the next match. So to any of you who follow the results in the English Premier League, you’ll know that Sunderland took a hammering yesterday. Even worse, it came at the hands of our nearest and most bitter rivals.

Monday 25 October 2010

Long whey to go. Can protein help me to lose fat?

To become a better runner I need to lose fat. I’ve always trained pretty hard, but my diet has never been very good. Too much beer, too many hangovers and too many takeaways have taken their toll. To lose fat, I need to build more lean muscle. To build that lean muscle I need to make sure I’m getting enough protein in my diet.

I’ve never been a fan of supplements, probably due to the way these products are advertised. Walk into any sport nutrition shop and you’ll be surrounded by pictures of blokes (always tanned and hairless) who look like they’re about to explode. It’s enough to put you off your breakfast. But if you want to add lean muscle it’s recommended that you eat at least 1 gram protein for every pound you weigh. I’m 11 stone (154 lbs), so I need over 154g of protein, which is the equivalent to around 6 chicken breasts or 24 eggs per day. No chance. This is where protein shakes come into their own, since a single shake can pack in 20-50g of protein depending on the brand.
Last month I decided to give it a go, I adjusted my diet to increase my protein, and starting having two protein shakes a day. The first tub I tried was 100% Whey Berry Flavour. It was disgusting. These tubs usually come in 2lb or 5lb containers, but why they don’t have small sample sachets to try them out is beyond me. My wife complained every time I opened the pack that it smelt like sick. It did. With milk it was nasty, but with water it was even worse. Top tip for mixing these shakes – buy a proper shaker! It makes a huge difference, I paid AED 45 (about £8) for one just like this (see right). If not, make sure you add a small amount of milk/water into the glass before the powder, stir and use the back of the spoon to smooth out lumps. Leave it a few minutes, stir again and then top it up and stir. A straw helps too if it’s still lumpy.

It was a relief to finish the pot (thankfully only a 2lb one!) and now my kind wife has bought me some Gold Standard 100% Whey Double Chocolate. The difference, it’s delicious! I should say, with milk it’s delicious, with water it’s… mm… drinkable, just. If you want to go crazy blend it with milk, ice cubes, banana and peanut butter, and that wipes the floor with a McShake.

It’s been a month, and so far I’ve not noticed the slightest difference in either my weight or appearance. Thank God it tastes good.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Tuesday 19 October 2010

Hey you! Thank you! Barefoot in Dubai stats

I’ve never had any aspirations to be a writer, but one of the things I love about writing this blog is watching the statistics of who has viewed this, and when, and where from. I’m totally fascinated, especially since I’ve done very little to advertise this site, other than a few mentions on facebook and a write up in Men’s Fitness Dubai (see below).

Take today, so far there have been 35 page views, 17 from Brazil (Lorenzo, is that you?), 13 from Guadeloupe (and I've just Googled this to find out exactly where it is), 3 from China, 2 from UAE, 1 from the UK and 1 from South Africa.

Whoever you all are, I salute you. Thank you!! (GG, you're still my no.1 follower.)

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Saturday 9 October 2010

Barefoot in Dubai's tips for motivation

It’s still hot. So what? My foot has been fine for a while, and the excuses for not getting back to my running have run dry.
My top tips for getting motivated are:
  • New toys – could be trainers, or an ipod, Nike+, a heart rate monitor, even just a new outfit.
  • Enter a race – motivation based on a mix of challenge and fear.
  • Arrange a run with someone else, or commit to a running club.
  • Instead of aimlessly setting off on a jog, prepare your running session in advance and decide what you want to do, write down planned distance, number of reps, recovery time and stick to it.
  • Watch a Rocky training montage.

Tuesday 7 September 2010

Yoga-ta-be-kidding. Barefoot at the Absolute Sancturary, Koh Samui

While at uni, I attended a circuit class in a studio also used for yoga classes. When we arrived, the yoga class attendees would all be asleep on the floor. Some workout that I thought. I’ve never done yoga properly, or had any real desire to. I thought it was the exercise choice of people who are too lazy to exercise.

This week my wife and I are on holiday at the Absolute Sanctuary (http://www.absolutesanctuary.com/), an amazing yoga and detox (aka alcohol free) resort in Koh Samui, Thailand. In the past 4 days I’ve done hot yoga twice, flow yoga, gentle yoga and gentle flow yoga. Though I’ve failed to really see the difference between all these types, I’ve found it all incredibly hard work. My last trip to the podiatrist informed me that I have a very limited range of motion in my big toes and ankles, that my quads were out of balance, and that my calves, hamstrings, quads and IT band were all too tight. I’ve often thought of these words as I’ve struggled in each posture, and have been made painfully aware on numerous occasions that I am the class dunce. The incredible sweaty, confused looking class dunce. Yet oddly I’m really enjoying it.

Monday 26 July 2010

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside. Not barefoot in Tynemouth

You’d think with living in Dubai I’d be bored of beaches, but yesterday my best man and I jogged along the coast from Tynemouth to just before St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay and back. About 9 miles we think, certainly the furthest I’ve run since my injury. It was delightful. The tide was out so the beach was wide, the weather was perfect, and it was great seeing loads of people outside. Families together with sand-castles and picnics, people walking their dogs, footballers in pre-season training, everyone it seemed enjoying the day. And the air, full of the smells from seaweed to fish ‘n chips, was rejuvenating in itself. It was one of those runs I’ll think about when I’m back in Dubai and it’s too hot to go outside.

Photograph by Jacqueline Banerjee.
www.victorianweb.org/places/tyneside/1.jpg

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Sunday 25 July 2010

CrossFit NorthEastEngland

While injured I tried to keep myself fit in the gym and on the exercise bike. I’ve always enjoyed any kind of circuit class, but training on your own is more difficult to keep the same levels of discipline, intensity and motivation that you’d have with an instructor and other people. I seen this schedule below in Men’s Fitness and decided to give it a go. It’s not for the faint hearted, its left me in pieces at times but I’m enjoying it. The sessions are quite short but very sharp!
http://philfitdubai.blogspot.com/2010/07/shire-horse-workout.html

The other activity I’ve been wanting to get involved in for ages is CrossFit. New workouts are posted daily at:
http://www.crossfit.com/

Since two of my mates have their own CrossFit affiliate gym in Newcastle it was a priority to pop in for a visit while I was back home.
http://www.crossfitnortheastengland.com/

In our session yesterday, Chris and Leon instructed us how to safely and properly perform a squat press and we warmed up. The workout was as many rounds as possible (AMRAP) in 15 minutes of 10 squat press and then a 400m run. I didn’t think it sounded too bad. Stupidly, I looked at my watch as we started and I was wrecked in less than 5 minutes. After 15 I had to be peeled from off the floor.

I felt fine until I woke up the next morning and tried to get out of bed. Holy-shit-dick-lick-balls! I hurt everywhere, but I’m sure that 15 minute session done me more good than an hour of training on my own. Who knew?

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Tuesday 13 July 2010

My first jog since broken sesamoid and stress fracture, but left my VFFs at home

I’ve just got home after my first jog outside for FOUR whole months. Sweat is dripping from my brow on to my keyboard and I feel fantastic. I concentrated on taking it easy, staying relaxed and not over-striding. Most importantly, I enjoyed it. Every second of it. Even the bits when I was tired, when I was struggling with the heat, when my mind was telling me I’d have to stop. I loved it. Even running over my arch enemies, the cobblestones (see rant below), my foot felt perfect.

I’m overwhelmed with relief.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Tuesday 15 June 2010

I’m back… cautiously! Baby steps, not barefoot, after broken bones

Three months! Three frustrating and claustrophobic months! A few weeks after the X-rays below I had an MRI scan which revealed a stress fracture to the second metatarsal of the left foot, and at least two months of rest. I’ve never been unable to run for this long. It’s been terrible and I’ve been more of an arse to be around. I’ve had dreams of running through the woods near where I grew up on a snowy morning. The exercise bike and in the gym have helped me to stay active, but it doesn’t compare to the freedom and expression of being able to run whenever and wherever I what. This need to go jogging has subsided a little lately, it’s too hot and humid, and of course it’s great being able to do a little session in the gym and watch the World Cup.

I’ve had a long time to think about the question everyone has asked, “will you ever wear the monkey feet again?” Yes, I will. They didn’t cause the pain, I did, and I refused to listen which makes me even more stupid. I doubt I’d ever consider running long distance either barefoot or in the VFFs, but for a few miles on sand or grass I certainly would. You see, it feels fantastic.

My foot feels fine now, but I’m trepidatious about doing too much too soon. Yesterday I set off on my long journey back to running fitness with 10 minutes on the treadmill. Scared of putting too much pressure on my forefoot I was exaggeratingly landing heel first, the polar opposite of what running barefoot was teaching me. It flew past and I was left with pins and needles in my thighs, sore hamstrings and a big smile.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

Expert podiatric advice. Broken sesamoid and potential hallux limitus

After speaking with a fantastic Podiatric Surgeon from Fitter Feet For Life (http://www.fitterfeet.com/index.php) it seems that not only is my tibial sesamoid twice the size it should be, it’s also broken in two. I need to have an MRI scan done before I can be sure. There might also be 1st MTT Stage 1 hallux limitus (reduced flexibility of the big toe, and the start of a slippery slope to arthritis of the big toe), but an MRI will reveal all.

Saturday 3 April 2010

Learning the hard way. Transitioning to barefoot running requires patience

It’s been more than two weeks now since I last ran, since then and I’ve been hobbling around on crutches. The pain when I try to put weight on the ball of my left foot is nowhere as bad as it was a week ago, so I’m hoping I’ll make a full recovery (full recovery = being able to hop on my left leg pain free) in the next few weeks. Those who know me know that when I’m injured and can’t exercise I’m a prick. Thankfully I’ve been able to hobble to the gym and lift a few weights, plus I can use the exercise bike if I push from the heel end of my foot.

Thursday 18 March 2010

Cautionary tale. Broken sesamoid bone from barefoot running

I’m on crutches. I can’t put any weight on my left forefoot without it feeling like my foot is impaled on a huge spike. My X-rays (see right) show I’ve got broken my sesamoid(http://www.sportspodiatry.co.uk/foot_sesamoiditis.htm). The sesamoid bones are the two small oval shapes you can see just below the big toe joint on the X-ray. Obviously my footfalls haven't been quite as light as I'd hoped and these two tiny bones have taken a pounding. Rest is the only prescribed cure. I have no idea when I'll next be able to run.

Tuesday 9 March 2010

No pain, no gain… errr right? Too much barefoot running too soon?

It’s been a tough few weeks since I started in the VFFs. Previously unused muscles have been crying, but I’ve tried to brush these aside as being teething problems while I adapt to this new style. Now I’ve got a pain in my left foot that just won’t go away. I’d been feeling this pain all weekend. Each time I move the toes of my left foot either up or down it feel like I’m being stabbed right through the centre of my foot. But even though it hurts I can wiggle my toes, so I don’t think there’s anything broken. As I set off yesterday morning, it was painful each time I stepped on my left foot, but thought I’d be fine once I warmed up. Not that the pain went away, but a whole bunch of other pains popped up to dilute the pain in my left foot and take my mind off it.

Thursday 4 March 2010

Magnetic pull - 45 miles and counting in Vibrams

I should have known after running quite well for a couple of weeks that I was due a stinker. I set off determined to run for an hour and maybe I put too much pressure on myself. It was early, quiet and the weather was perfect for running, but I felt like I was giving someone a piggyback. Stupidly I tried to do 2 laps of the Marina, but as I finished the first lap the magnetic pull of home was too strong for me to carry on.

In total I’ve run around 45 miles in the VFFs and it has reinvigorated my whole attitude towards running. I’m even starting to think that a marathon might not be too far away. My calf pain is constant, and I still haven’t worked out how to run downhill properly. Nor can I yet consider running on consecutive days. But it’s only been a few weeks, and despite the claims of magazines, I fully believe that if you want to make a fundamental change, be it to body shape or running style, it takes years not months. And this is just the beginning.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Monday 1 March 2010

You’ve got to roll with it - My longest run to date in Vibrams, 10 miles

There are times when you run, it might only be for the briefest of moments, but you feel like you can run forever. Indestructible. Other times each step can be torture. It’s fair to expect that when you’ve been healthy you should feel good, but accept that after a few days on the booze, eating take you’re going to struggle. But it doesn’t work like that. Now I’ve realised that you’ve just got to roll with it either way, if you feel good then push on. If not, do what you can.


Today was a good day. I’ve got no idea why. I felt good, so instead of stopping as I approached home I thought I’d carry on, go for another song on the iPod and see how I felt. Another. And another. After about 8 miles I realised my calves were tighter than a snake’s arsehole, but I had no choice but to carry on and head home.

I managed my first 10 miler in the VFFs, and my feel felt fine. I felt good everywhere apart from my calves which started to cramp up in the last mile. The next test is to see what difference the VFFs have on my speed, to test that I’ve entered a 10k in 3 weeks. Evenutally I’ll reluctantly take off the VFFs, even though I’ve become very attached to that 3mm of rubber.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Saturday 27 February 2010

“Sorry, did you just drop a salmon?” Barefoot running shouldn't sounds like this

After a fantastic day of doing absolutely nothing yesterday, it’s a real drag to motivate myself. My legs and feet are killing me, so I decided to just go to the gym instead. It’s not very big (see pic), and since I’m normally in there at 5am I’m used to having it to myself. But there were already 4 people in there, so I decided to pull on the VFFs and get outside.

I’m sure I looked like a 70 year old for the first few hundred yards, while concentrating on my pain. I couldn’t tell if it was “I’m stiff and this is just sore muscles” or “I’ve done some damage and you’re still making me carry on” kind of pain? And so much for being light and relaxed, each time I stepped I could hear a loud slap above the noise of my iPod. The sound was exactly the same as a large fish being dropped on to a wooden chopping board.

I’ve never been a fan of running in public. I like the anonymity of dark early mornings. And since today I felt particularly foolish I decided on a different route, and ran around the secluded end of the Marina. I found a deserted beach round the back of the local power plant and that bit of exploration took my mind from my pain and rejuvenated me for the return home. I managed a respectable 35 minutes. As always the hardest part was the first few steps.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Thursday 25 February 2010

Let’s give it a bit of welly! How fast can I run barefoot?

I slept in this morning, so missed my morning jog, but I managed to get home from work on time, giving me the chance to squeeze in a jog before Sarah, my wife, returned home from work. My calves were still tight, but I thought they’d be fine once I got warmed up. That didn’t take long. Today was one of the hottest days in Dubai for a while – somewhere in the mid-30’s – so it must have still been around 30c when I set off at 5pm. A big difference to the temperature I’m used to at 5am. In a couple of months it won’t drop below 30c even in the middle of the night, so I should best get used to it. Not nice though: breathing in hot air totally dries your mouth, like a sauna you can’t escape.

I completed my usual lap, avoiding The Walk by running along the beach. It was lush. As I ran towards the setting sun I thought about how nice it is not needing to wear gloves and a hat like I used to when running back home in the UK. Another thing I’ve noticed is that even though some sand is sneaking its way into my VFFs, I’m not getting any blisters like I would if I was wearing my Pegasus on the sand.

Towards the end of the run, I picked up pace for the last mile, just like on Tuesday. But I’m dying to really push it and see just how far my feet can take me in VFFs – they’re getting a little impatient with my calves slowing us down.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Tuesday 23 February 2010

SupercalfpainhurtslikehellandIfeelatrocious - Adjusting to barefoot

It takes at least two days before I can even consider going for my next jog. The pain on the first day after my last run was a dull throb in my calves, the second day was worse, even walking was difficult. Since that run I’ve also starting to experience some odd pains in my feet. On the outside of my soles it feels as though a previously dormant muscle is being used for the first time.

Today’s jog took my usual route around the Marina, but it was too early and therefore too dark to go along JBR beach, so I had to endure the cobblestones of ‘the Walk’ again. These bastard things are evenly spaced, and with my usual stride pattern I land on every other row. Twats! I can either use a shorter stride and slow down or increase my stride and run a bit quicker to avoid hitting them where it hurts. Neither option is great.

I’m listening ever more closely to my body. I’m constantly thinking about my running action and trying to concentrate on being upright, light and relaxed. Being more engaged in what you’re doing makes the time fly. Today I was feeling OK so I decided to push it for the last mile. It felt great; like childlike fun.

Just before I got home I crossed a tiny strip of grass. God, it felt good on my feet after five miles of paving slabs. Or it did until I noticed the idle taxi driver watching me after I’d started singing, “It’s good to touch, the green, green grass of home!”. It's such a shame the nearest park is 10 miles away.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Saturday 20 February 2010

“F*ck!” “Bollocks!” “Sh*t and arseholes!” - Vibrams induce Tourettes

My calves were in agony the day after my second proper VFF run. Walking was painful, but going downstairs was a whole new level of excruciating. My feet were sore, too: really achy and tender. Sore calves I’m used to, but sore feet is a new one for me. I can only imagine this is how women’s feet must feel after walking in high heels all night, but trust me, that’s something I never intend to find out.

So, I gave the VFFs a couple of days off and went to the gym instead. Yesterday I was desperate to get them back on and hit the road – not that I’d fully recovered – and the first few minutes were bloody painful until I warmed to my five-mile loop of the Marina. This time also running a stretch of the beach, too (purely to avoid those bloody cobblestones!). It was early, the sun was rising, the beach was empty and it felt really good. Though running on sand is hard work regardless of your footwear.

The more I run, the more I seem to be relaxing into the VFFs. I’m no longer feel like I’m running on eggshells like I was when I started out. And I’m feeling good, maybe not as quick as I am in my Pegasus, but not too far behind, and catching up all of the time. The only unpleasant development from my VFFs so far has been that I’ve caught Tourettes syndrome. Or so it must appear to anyone I pass as I accidentally step on a sharp pebble or shell, or cobblestone. “F*ck!” “Tw*t!” “Shit and arseholes!” I manically cry, though not too loud I hope, but since I’ve got my iPod on I can’t be sure.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Wednesday 17 February 2010

“Get out of my way, I'm running barefoot and I don’t know how to stop!”

As I’d said, I thought my feet and calves were OK, but once I’d slipped the VFFs back on and went outside I realised just how tight they were. Still, I wanted to run after a few days skiving and thought I’d shake it off. I suppose I still haven’t settled quite into my proper stride in the VFFs yet. I started the run high of my forefoot, but then relaxed and dropped my foot strike so that my heel touched the floor before the next stride. Running downhill seems really difficult. It’s very hard not to land heel first, but when I do I can feel the strike right through to the base of my back, and it’s not pleasant. It’s the same if I need to stop or turn quickly – without thinking about it I use my heel to brake. While jogging along tonight a toddler suddenly stepped out in front of me, and as I stopped it felt like whiplash.

Really enjoying the challenge though, and managed about 30 minutes. But today I realised that there’s no quick fix for this transformation. I’d be daft to think that I can just slip on a different pair of shoes and run a different way instantly. I need to be patient and accept that this is just the start. And remember to stay away from f–ing cobblestones.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Monday 15 February 2010

Torture… Victorian style. Barefoot or Vibrams + cobblestones = pain

Two days ago I tried my VFFs out on the treadmill for 10 minutes. There were no problems and my calves felt fine. Then, yesterday, I decided to take them outdoors and went for a jog around my local marina. Totally different feeling to the treadmill, and much more enjoyable. The shoes force you to think more about what you’re doing outdoors, and I found that the time passed really quickly. I’d only intended to be out for 20 minutes, but I was for 35 minutes. I felt great. My stride shortened, and I noticed that when I’d been messing around with the office shoes my heel never touched the floor, but today out on the roads was much more natural. I wasn’t heel-striking, but my heel did touch the floor on each footfall. Whether this is right or wrong I’m not sure, I’m no coach, but it felt good. Going uphill was a breeze, you notice how light your feet feel, but coming downhill was odd. I’m too used to over-striding and landing heel-first on the way down.

I coasted round the Marina and then came to ‘The Walk’ along the Jumeriah Beach Residence area. For those who don’t know Dubai, The Walk (maybe one mile long) is about the only outdoor stretch in Dubai intended for walking. It’s even got footpaths! But for some demented reason the architect (or arsehole, depending on your point of view) decided to adorn everywhere on the Walk with Victorian torture devices otherwise known as cobblestones. Why the do they still exist? Fair enough, in historical places, but there’s fuck-all history in Dubai Marina. It’s less than 10 years old. Anyway, those bastard stones hurt. So if anyone reading this lives in JBR and heard someone at 5am shouting, “Which silly arsehole put cobblestones here?” it was me. Sorry.

When I got home I realised I had a tiny nearly-formed blister on the pad of each big toe, but no pain. Today, my feet feel stretched (if that’s possible?), and my calves are a little tight, but not so bad that I couldn’t run.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.


Saturday 13 February 2010

VFF (Vibram FiveFingers) arrival

So I’ve got my new shoes on (cue Paolo Nutini). I’d ordered the KSOs (see ‘About VibramFiveFingers’ page above for more details on the Vibram FiveFingers range) – and thankfully they’re a great fit. Since Vibram FiveFingers are designed to fit each individual toe it’s very important that you measure your feet properly. Place a ruler or tape measure on the floor with one end against a wall, and then stand on it, making sure your heel is pressed against the wall. I’m usually a GB size 8, and when I measured my feet they were slightly over 10 inches long and my second toe is slightly longer than my big toe. Using the guide on the Vibram website (http://www.vibramfivefingers.it/eng/default.aspx#) I was recommended to buy a size 40. It worked, though I would like to try on a 41 just to be doubly sure. When you mail-order something from thousands of miles away you want to be sure to get the right size first time.

Putting them on the first time took a couple of goes, but once on they feel great. For all the jokes, monkey feet and all that, to me they feel more like Spiderman shoes, since the grip and feel are unlike anything else. And they'd be great for burglars as you can walk silently. I wore them all day just to walk about. I hate flip flops or anything between my toes so they take a bit of getting used to. First thing you notice is that you feel absolutely everything, every paving slab join, any crack, especially any stone. Those little bastards hurt. But my feet felt great, and I didn’t really want to take them off when we went out for dinner. My wife is incredible and puts up with all of my shite, but there always comes a point.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Monday 1 February 2010

My first barefoot steps (pre Vibrams)

Read anything about making the change from running in trainers to running barefoot and you are warned to start slowly.

I was too excited to wait for the Vibram FiveFingers (VFFs) I’d ordered so, around 3 weeks ago, I went down to the gym in my apartment building early one day before anyone else was there, and tried running barefoot on the treadmill. I started out in socks, but I could feel a blister forming so I took them off. Then I managed about 12 minutes before the soles of my feet felt like they were on fire. Later that day my calves were killing me. I could see this trainerless training was going to take a bit of getting used to.

Undeterred, the next day I hacked the heels and part of the soles off an old pair of office shoes in the hope of mimicking the flimsy VFFs, and gave those a go on the treadmill. They were OK; I was precautious and only ran 5 to 10 minutes in them each time I wore them on the treadmill. It was like learning to drive, with someone there pointing out each mistake, but the with the feedback coming from your feet. During these couple of weeks while jogging outdoors in my (formerly trusted) Pegasus, I concentrated on altering my form and foot strike.
I’d read tips about the ‘Pose Technique’ (http://www.posetech.com/pose_method/) including trying to land on the forefoot, and landing so that your foot in beneath your body, and therefore under you centre of gravity. Most importantly it’s how you run, not necessarily what you run in, that matters. VFFs’ function is merely to help with the ‘how’ part.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.